August 06 2015

Ask the AV Professional

Ask the AV Professional is a regular feature in this newsletter. Questions can range from technology to conference planning and anything in between. Submit your questions to dsuminski@bavservices.com.

I attended a conference that had three identical screens across the front of the room. I’ve never done that in my Plenary Sessions. Is it new? What is the benefit?

Many factors need to be considered when developing a Plenary Session stage set. Budget and room dimensions are at the top of the list. However, if you have keynotes, multiple speakers, panel discussions, and even entertainment all scheduled to share the same stage, then flexibility becomes very important.

A great way to incorporate different messages and stage configurations with minimal fuss is by utilizing a projected image as the stage set. The center screen can be treated as an empty canvas and display anything from photos to logo slides to sponsor loops to custom videos and animations. Depending on the program, the screen can be in a 4:3 format or in a 16:9 widescreen format and can also display live camera and PowerPoint presentations. It is not necessarily a new idea or even new technology – it’s just a more attractive scenic/presentation medium as digital graphic design and messaging become more prevalent in today’s meetings.

If you commit to a center screen, it will be important for your AV provider to create CAD drawings while working closely with you to optimize the meeting space, stage size and viewing angles. They should also consult with you on the content creation and display options to ensure that you’re maximizing the ‘empty canvas’ to get your message out.

About the AuthorDerek Suminski is the Vice President of Development for BAV, an award winning, audio visual rental, staging and production company. Derek has worked for and has traveled extensively with BAV for 19 years and serves on various PCMA and MPI committees. To contact Derek or to learn more about BAV please visit www.bavservices.com